Hopper Showing Offensive Skills in 2008

For a player nominated as a preseason first-team all-state defensive back by NCPreps.com, Seventy-First (Fayetteville, N.C.) star senior James Hopper sure is doing well on the offensive side of the ball. The 5-10, 180-pound Virginia Tech commitment has totaled 327 yards and eight touchdowns on the ground in four games, averaging almost eight yards per carry.

“I think I developed a lot, as a person and as a football player. This year, my speed and strength and agility have changed a lot. I’m playing offense a lot and scoring easily. Things I didn’t think I could do last year I’m doing now,” said Hopper, who also returned a punt 63 yards for a touchdown and returned another punt 55 yards.

Seventy-First has reeled off four consecutive wins to start the 2008 season, which is certainly an important one for Hopper on several fronts.

“I’m one of our star players and I want to try to keep our undefeated season going. I don’t want to let my teammates down,” Hopper said. “This is my senior year, so a lot is on the line. I also want to try to help develop the program for our coaches so they will be able to continue the success next year. And I want to help our team win and also help to get more of our seniors to where I’m at now.”

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